Stellar Wind dominates Torrey Pines Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. - Summer vacation ended spectacularly for Stellar Wind at Del Mar on Sunday.

In her first start since a win in the Grade 2 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita on June 20, Stellar Wind was the comprehensive winner of the $100,250 Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile, a race she was expected to dominate.

Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Stellar Wind ($3) stalked the pace for the first half-mile and was not threatened late, winning by 4 1/4 lengths over 5-1 Big Book.

Espinoza said Stellar Wind was an eager filly. When he urged Stellar Wind to move forward on the backstretch, she responded to race within a half-length of pacesetter Ultimate Holiday.

“Next thing I knew I was next the leader,” Espinoza said. “I expected her to run big.”

Stellar Wind was timed in 1:36.43. Big Book, who won her first three starts, including the Fleet Treat Stakes for California-bred fillies on July 25, finished a clear second, 3 1/4 lengths in front of Rattataptap. Roksana was fourth, followed by Ultimate Holiday and Hone In.

Stellar Wind races for Pete and Kosta Hronis and trainer John Sadler. By Curlin, Stellar Wind has won 5 of 7 starts and earned $553,200. Earlier this year, Stellar Wind won the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes in February and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks in April before finishing fourth as the 3-1 favorite in the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill downs on May 1.

The stable considers her to be a candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Keeneland on Oct. 30, a contributing factor in her not starting in July and most of August.

“It was a good time to give her a break,” Kosta Hronis said.

Hronis said races such as the $1 million Cotillion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Parx Racing on Sept. 19 or the $500,000 Spinster Stakes against older fillies and mares at Keeneland on Oct. 4 are possible goals for Stellar Wind’s next start. The BC Distaff is the main goal.

“She should be ready and she’ll like the distance,” he said.